1---2name: bellingcat-maps-satellites3description: Investigate locations using maps, satellite imagery, and street view. Search coordinates, analyze satellite data (Sentinel, NASA, Planet), explore street-level imagery, and compare map services globally. Use when the user mentions a location, coordinates, satellite image, map, street view, or geographic feature, even if they don't mention "maps" or "OSINT."4---56# Bellingcat Maps & Satellites Investigation Tools78Tools for geospatial analysis including web maps, satellite imagery platforms, and street view services. Cross-reference multiple sources to verify locations and track changes over time.910## Choosing Tools1112- Use map and street-view services to inspect a location; use satellite platforms when you need imagery, dates, or change over time.13- Compare at least two sources when coverage, imagery date, or geographic detail may affect the finding.1415## Tools1617### Maps1819| Tool | Best for | Cost | Description | Guide |20|------|----------|------|-------------|-------|21| [Apple Maps](https://www.apple.com/maps/) | A digital mapping service with detailed maps, satellite imagery, and location-based… | Free | Apple Maps is a digital mapping service with detailed maps, satellite imagery, and location-based information. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/apple-maps) |22| [Baidu Maps](http://map.baidu.com/) | Baidu’s mapping service offering satellite imagery, street maps, and streetview… | Free | Baidu’s mapping service offering satellite imagery, street maps, and streetview (“Panorama” - zh:百度全景). | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/baidu-maps) |23| [Bing Maps](https://www.bing.com/maps/) | A web mapping service provided by Microsoft that offers detailed geographical information… | Partially Free | Bing Maps is a web mapping service provided by Microsoft that offers detailed geographical information and tools for ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/bing-maps) |24| [Convert Geographic Units](http://rcn.montana.edu/resources/Converter.aspx) | A tool that converts various geographic coordinates to support diverse mapping and spatial… | Free | A tool that converts various geographic coordinates to support diverse mapping and spatial analysis needs. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/convert-geographic-units) |25| [F4Map](https://demo.f4map.com) | An interactive 3D map visualization tool that provides detailed rendering of urban… | Free | F4Map is an interactive 3D map visualization tool that provides detailed rendering of urban landscapes and geographic... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/f4map) |26| [Gaode Maps](https://gaode.com) | (also known as AMap) is a mapping application and technology from the Chinese company… | Free | Gaode Maps (also known as AMap) is a mapping application and technology from the Chinese company Alibaba. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/gaode-maps) |27| [Gjirafa](https://gjirafa.biz/) | Mapping service for Albania (specially Kosovo) | Free | Mapping service for Albania (specially Kosovo) | |28| [Global Forest Watch](https://www.globalforestwatch.org/map/) | Explore tree cover loss and gain data, recent deforestation and fire alerts, land use… | Free | Explore tree cover loss and gain data, recent deforestation and fire alerts, land use designations, carbon emissions,... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/global-forest-watch) |29| [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps) | Mapping information, satellite imagery and Google Street View imagery including historical… | Free | Google Maps provides mapping information, satellite imagery and Google Street View imagery including historical Stree... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-maps) |30| [GovMap](https://www.govmap.gov.il/) | An interactive map of Israel, offering users a wide range of data including property… | Free | GovMap provides an interactive map of Israel, offering users a wide range of data including property boundaries, plan... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/govmap) |31| [HERE WeGo](https://wego.here.com/) | Mapping service similar to Google Maps or Apple Maps. | Free | Mapping service similar to Google Maps or Apple Maps. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/here-wego) |32| [Hitta.se](https://www.hitta.se/) | Mapping service for Sweden | Free | Mapping service for Sweden | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/hitta.se) |33| [Kakao Map](https://map.kakao.com) | A mapping application provided by South Korean technology company Kakao Corp. | Free | A mapping application provided by South Korean technology company Kakao Corp. | |34| [MapChecking](https://www.mapchecking.com/) | This tool helps you estimate and fact-check the maximum number of people standing in a… | Free | This tool helps you estimate and fact-check the maximum number of people standing in a given area. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/mapchecking) |35| [Mapillary](https://www.mapillary.com/) | A crowdsourced street-level imagery platform. | Free | Mapillary is a crowdsourced street-level imagery platform. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/mapillary) |36| [MapSwitcher](https://github.com/david-r-edgar/MapSwitcher) | Chrome extension switches between online map apps, maintaining (as far as possible) the… | Free | Chrome extension switches between online map apps, maintaining (as far as possible) the map centre, zoom level, & di... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/mapswitcher) |37| [mapy.cz](http://mapy.cz) | Mapping service for Czechia | Free | Mapping service for Czechia | |38| [Maritime Awareness Project](https://map.nbr.org/interactivemap/) | South China Sea maps with oil and gas fields, fishing areas, air defense zones and… | Free | South China Sea maps with oil and gas fields, fishing areas, air defense zones and administrative, claimed, disputed ... | |39| [NASA Firms](https://firms2.modaps.eosdis.nasa.gov/map/) | Displays a world map overlaid with infra-red data from one or more satellites, some, but… | Free | Displays a world map overlaid with infra-red data from one or more satellites, some, but not all of which may represe... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/nasa-firms) |40| [OpenInfraMap](https://openinframap.org/#2/26/12) | Power lines, telecoms, solar, oil, gas & water infrastructure mapped globally. | Free | Power lines, telecoms, solar, oil, gas & water infrastructure mapped globally. | |41| [OpenSeaMap](https://map.openseamap.org/) | Sea map of borders, special zones, shipping lanes, with overlays of MarineTraffic and… | Free | Sea map of borders, special zones, shipping lanes, with overlays of MarineTraffic and other sources | |42| [OpenStreetMap](http://openstreetmap.org/) | A collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world. | Free | OpenStreetMap is a collaborative project to create a free editable map of the world. | |43| [Bellingcat OpenStreetMap Search](https://osm-search.bellingcat.com/) | A user interface to search OpenStreetMap data for features in proximity to each other. | Free | A user interface to search OpenStreetMap data for features in proximity to each other. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/openstreetmap-search-tool) |44| [Overpass Turbo](https://overpass-turbo.eu/) | A web-based tool for querying and visualizing OpenStreetMap crowd sourced data, aiding in… | Free | Overpass Turbo is a web-based tool for querying and visualizing OpenStreetMap crowd sourced data, aiding in extractin... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/overpass-turbo) |45| [PeakVisor](https://peakvisor.com/) | Dual window views for any global location: (1) a 2-D map & (2) a 3-D rendered terrain… | Free | Dual window views for any global location: (1) a 2-D map & (2) a 3-D rendered terrain model, with photo fitting, shad... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/peakvisor) |46| [QGIS](https://www.qgis.org) | A free Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS). | Free | QGIS is a free Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS). | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/qgis) |47| [Quick geolocation search](https://cybdetective.com/quickgeolocationsearch.html) | A tool that brings several maps into one place for easy location search. | Free | A tool that brings several maps into one place for easy location search. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/quick-geolocation-search) |48| [Satellites.pro](https://satellites.pro/) | Open source researchers to quickly switch between several free satellite imagery and… | Free | Satellites.pro allows open source researchers to quickly switch between several free satellite imagery and mapping se... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/satellites.pro) |49| [ShadeMap](https://shademap.app) | A global simulation of mountain, building & tree shadows for a given date & time. | Partially Free | ShadeMap is a global simulation of mountain, building & tree shadows for a given date & time. Base data is free, but ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/shademap) |50| [ShadowMap](https://app.shadowmap.org/) | Global map of 3D buildlings and the shadows they cast at a specific time a day | Free | Global map of 3D buildlings and the shadows they cast at a specific time a day | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/shadowmap) |51| [Strava](https://www.strava.com) | A fitness tracking platform where publicly shared GPS activity data can reveal movement… | Partially Free | A fitness tracking platform where publicly shared GPS activity data can reveal movement patterns, routines, and preci... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/strava) |52| [Tencent Maps](http://map.qq.com/) | (formerly SOSO Maps) is a desktop and web mapping service application and technology… | Free | Tencent Maps (formerly SOSO Maps) is a desktop and web mapping service application and technology provided by Chinese... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/tencent-maps) |53| [Topotijdreis.nl](http://topotijdreis.nl) | Over 200 years of maps and topography from the Netherlands. | Free | Over 200 years of maps and topography from the Netherlands. | |54| [UTM grid zones](http://dmap.co.uk/utmworld.htm) | An overview of the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system. | Free | An overview of the Universal Transverse Mercator coordinate system. | |55| [what3words](http://what3words.com/) | A proprietary geocode system which identifies any location on the surface of the earth to… | Free | A proprietary geocode system which identifies any location on the surface of the earth to a resolution of 3 metres. T... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/what3words) |56| [Wikimapia](https://wikimapia.org/) | Was a long-running collaborative mapping project that remains partially accessible,… | Free | Wikimapia was a long-running collaborative mapping project that remains partially accessible, providing open source r... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/wikimapia) |57| [Yandex Maps](https://yandex.com/maps/) | A platform offering detailed maps, satellite imagery, street views (static & sometimes… | Partially Free | A platform offering detailed maps, satellite imagery, street views (static & sometimes dynamic imagery, including aer... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/yandex-maps) |5859### Satellite Imagery6061| Tool | Best for | Cost | Description | Guide |62|------|----------|------|-------------|-------|63| [Baidu Maps](http://map.baidu.com/) | Baidu’s mapping service offering satellite imagery, street maps, and streetview… | Free | Baidu’s mapping service offering satellite imagery, street maps, and streetview (“Panorama” - zh:百度全景). | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/baidu-maps) |64| [Bing Maps](https://www.bing.com/maps/) | A web mapping service provided by Microsoft that offers detailed geographical information… | Partially Free | Bing Maps is a web mapping service provided by Microsoft that offers detailed geographical information and tools for ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/bing-maps) |65| [Earth Explorer](https://earthexplorer.usgs.gov/) | Query and order satellite images, aerial photographs, and cartographic products from USGS | Partially Free | Query and order satellite images, aerial photographs, and cartographic products from USGS | |66| [Earth Online](https://earth.esa.int/eogateway/tools) | The ESA's Earth Online product offers a portal for accessing satellite imagery and… | Free | The ESA's Earth Online product offers a portal for accessing satellite imagery and environmental data, supporting a r... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/earth-online) |67| [EOS Landviewer](http://eos.com/landviewer) | Free services for up to 10 images. | Paid | EOS Landviewer provides free services for up to 10 images. More images and analysis are available to journalists at a... | |68| [Google Earth Engine](https://code.earthengine.google.com/) | A platform for environmental monitoring and analysis through satellite imagery and… | Partially Free | Google Earth Engine is a platform for environmental monitoring and analysis through satellite imagery and geospatial ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-earth-engine) |69| [Google Earth Pro](https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/) | Google Earth is a geospatial tool that provides detailed, global satellite imagery, maps,… | Partially Free | Google Earth is a geospatial tool that provides detailed, global satellite imagery, maps, 3D terrain models, and the ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-earth-pro) |70| [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps) | Mapping information, satellite imagery and Google Street View imagery including historical… | Free | Google Maps provides mapping information, satellite imagery and Google Street View imagery including historical Stree... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-maps) |71| [GovMap](https://www.govmap.gov.il/) | An interactive map of Israel, offering users a wide range of data including property… | Free | GovMap provides an interactive map of Israel, offering users a wide range of data including property boundaries, plan... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/govmap) |72| [HERE WeGo](https://wego.here.com/) | Mapping service similar to Google Maps or Apple Maps. | Free | Mapping service similar to Google Maps or Apple Maps. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/here-wego) |73| [Index Database](https://www.indexdatabase.de/) | A database which relates remote sensing indices with satellite imaging sensors | Free | A database which relates remote sensing indices with satellite imaging sensors | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/index-database) |74| [Mapa.sk](http://mapa.sk/) | Mapping service for Slovakia | Free | Mapping service for Slovakia | |75| [Mappy](http://en.mappy.com/) | Mapping service (and streetview in a couple of French cities \double check this!) | Free | Mapping service (and streetview in a couple of French cities \[double check this!]) | |76| [MapSwitcher](https://github.com/david-r-edgar/MapSwitcher) | Chrome extension switches between online map apps, maintaining (as far as possible) the… | Free | Chrome extension switches between online map apps, maintaining (as far as possible) the map centre, zoom level, & di... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/mapswitcher) |77| [NASA Worldview](https://worldview.earthdata.nasa.gov/) | An online tool for visualizing and downloading near real-time satellite imagery and… | Free | NASA Worldview is an online tool for visualizing and downloading near real-time satellite imagery and scientific data... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/nasa-worldview) |78| [OpenAerialMap](https://openaerialmap.org/) | Platform for accessing open-licensed satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery | Free | Platform for accessing open-licensed satellite and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) imagery | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/openaerialmap) |79| [OrbTrack](https://www.orbtrack.org) | Predicts & describes the position & path of >10K satellites in Earth orbit, relative to… | Free | Predicts & describes the position & path of >10K satellites in Earth orbit, relative to points on the earth's surface... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/orbtrack) |80| [Planet Labs](https://www.planet.com/) | PBC is an American optical satellite imagery company that sells access to imagery. | Partially Free | Planet Labs PBC is an American optical satellite imagery company that sells access to imagery. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/planet-labs) |81| [QGIS](https://www.qgis.org) | A free Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS). | Free | QGIS is a free Open Source Geographic Information System (GIS). | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/qgis) |82| [Radar Interference Tracker](https://ollielballinger.users.earthengine.app/view/bellingcat-radar-interference-tracker#lon=49.9507;lat=26.6056;zoom=4;) | Bellingcat's radar interference tracker can be used to locate and monitor active military… | Free | Bellingcat's radar interference tracker can be used to locate and monitor active military radar systems. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/radar-interference-tracker) |83| [RAMMB SLIDER](https://rammb-slider.cira.colostate.edu/) | Real-time weather satellites of the entire globe | Free | Real-time weather satellites of the entire globe | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/rammb-slider) |84| [Satellites.pro](https://satellites.pro/) | Open source researchers to quickly switch between several free satellite imagery and… | Free | Satellites.pro allows open source researchers to quickly switch between several free satellite imagery and mapping se... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/satellites.pro) |85| [Copernicus Browser (formerly Sentinel Hub Playground, EO Browser)](https://browser.dataspace.copernicus.eu/) | A free web-based platform for viewing, analyzing, and downloading satellite imagery from… | Free | A free web-based platform for viewing, analyzing, and downloading satellite imagery from the European Space Agency's ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/sentinal-hub-playground) |86| [SkyFi](https://skyfi.com/) | Used to purchase commercial satellite imagery and task (order the collection of images)… | Paid | SkyFi is used to purchase commercial satellite imagery and task (order the collection of images) satellites without a... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/skyfi) |87| [Tencent Maps](http://map.qq.com/) | (formerly SOSO Maps) is a desktop and web mapping service application and technology… | Free | Tencent Maps (formerly SOSO Maps) is a desktop and web mapping service application and technology provided by Chinese... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/tencent-maps) |88| [Umbra Space](https://umbra.space/) | Umbra is an American synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imaging company that sells… | Paid | Umbra is an American synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellite imaging company that sells on-demand taskings for satel... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/umbra-space) |89| [what3words](http://what3words.com/) | A proprietary geocode system which identifies any location on the surface of the earth to… | Free | A proprietary geocode system which identifies any location on the surface of the earth to a resolution of 3 metres. T... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/what3words) |90| [Yandex Maps](https://yandex.com/maps/) | A platform offering detailed maps, satellite imagery, street views (static & sometimes… | Partially Free | A platform offering detailed maps, satellite imagery, street views (static & sometimes dynamic imagery, including aer... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/yandex-maps) |9192### Street View9394| Tool | Best for | Cost | Description | Guide |95|------|----------|------|-------------|-------|96| [Baidu Maps](http://map.baidu.com/) | Baidu’s mapping service offering satellite imagery, street maps, and streetview… | Free | Baidu’s mapping service offering satellite imagery, street maps, and streetview (“Panorama” - zh:百度全景). | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/baidu-maps) |97| [Bing Maps](https://www.bing.com/maps/) | A web mapping service provided by Microsoft that offers detailed geographical information… | Partially Free | Bing Maps is a web mapping service provided by Microsoft that offers detailed geographical information and tools for ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/bing-maps) |98| [Carte.ma](http://carte.ma/) | Mapping/streetview service for Morocco | Free | Mapping/streetview service for Morocco | |99| [GeoHints](https://geohints.com/) | A website that provides information about things like traffic lights, utility poles,… | Free | GeoHints is a website that provides information about things like traffic lights, utility poles, bollards etc. for di... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/geohints) |100| [Google Earth Pro](https://www.google.com/earth/about/versions/) | Google Earth is a geospatial tool that provides detailed, global satellite imagery, maps,… | Partially Free | Google Earth is a geospatial tool that provides detailed, global satellite imagery, maps, 3D terrain models, and the ... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-earth-pro) |101| [Google Maps](https://www.google.com/maps) | Mapping information, satellite imagery and Google Street View imagery including historical… | Free | Google Maps provides mapping information, satellite imagery and Google Street View imagery including historical Stree... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/google-maps) |102| [KartaView](https://kartaview.org/map) | A crowdsourced platform for street view imagery. | Free | KartaView is a crowdsourced platform for street view imagery. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/kartaview) |103| [Mapillary](https://www.mapillary.com/) | A crowdsourced street-level imagery platform. | Free | Mapillary is a crowdsourced street-level imagery platform. | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/mapillary) |104| [MapSwitcher](https://github.com/david-r-edgar/MapSwitcher) | Chrome extension switches between online map apps, maintaining (as far as possible) the… | Free | Chrome extension switches between online map apps, maintaining (as far as possible) the map centre, zoom level, & di... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/mapswitcher) |105| [Photo-Map.RU](http://photo-map.ru/) | Geotagged VK posts. | Free | Geotagged VK posts. | |106| [Tencent Maps](http://map.qq.com/) | (formerly SOSO Maps) is a desktop and web mapping service application and technology… | Free | Tencent Maps (formerly SOSO Maps) is a desktop and web mapping service application and technology provided by Chinese... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/tencent-maps) |107| [Wikimapia](https://wikimapia.org/) | Was a long-running collaborative mapping project that remains partially accessible,… | Free | Wikimapia was a long-running collaborative mapping project that remains partially accessible, providing open source r... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/wikimapia) |108| [Yandex Maps](https://yandex.com/maps/) | A platform offering detailed maps, satellite imagery, street views (static & sometimes… | Partially Free | A platform offering detailed maps, satellite imagery, street views (static & sometimes dynamic imagery, including aer... | [Details](https://bellingcat.gitbook.io/toolkit/more/all-tools/yandex-maps) |109110## Investigation Tips111112- Cross-reference locations across multiple map services (Google, Yandex, Baidu, Tencent) for areas where coverage varies113- Use satellite imagery time-series (Copernicus Browser, NASA Worldview, Google Earth Engine) to identify changes over time114- Combine street view platforms (Google Street View, Mapillary, KartaView, Yandex) for wider coverage115- Use Overpass Turbo and OpenStreetMap Search to find specific features near a location116- Shadow analysis tools (SunCalc, ShadowMap, ShadeMap) help verify photo/video timestamps and locations
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